Georgian President hosts Chinese Vice-President for talks on strategic partnership

President Mikheil Kavelashvili has hosted Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng at the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi, with discussions focusing on trade, investment, transport links and closer political cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, attended by delegations from both sides, focused on the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Georgia and China, the Georgian President’s press office said on Friday.

The visit marks the first time a Chinese Vice-President has travelled to Georgia. The two countries are due to mark 35 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

During the meeting, Kavelashvili thanked China for its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed Tbilisi’s commitment to the One China principle, the statement said.

The two sides also discussed the development of ties between Tbilisi and Shanghai, including the possibility of launching direct flights between the cities. Han Zheng’s contribution to Shanghai’s development was also raised during the talks.

Economic cooperation featured prominently on the agenda. Discussions covered opportunities created by the existing free trade agreement, increasing Chinese investment in Georgia and expanding cooperation across various sectors.

The officials also examined the potential of the Middle Corridor, a transport route connecting Asia and Europe through the South Caucasus. They discussed the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, as well as plans to hold the sixth Silk Road Forum in Tbilisi.

The Georgian side highlighted the country’s strategic location and ongoing infrastructure projects as factors that could strengthen its role as a transport link between Europe and Asia.

Further discussions covered tourism, culture, education and science, including student exchanges, academic programmes and closer scientific cooperation.

The two countries also discussed the work of a joint working group on artificial intelligence and opportunities for international cooperation in the sector.

Kavelashvili presented Georgia’s proposal to host a Global Summit on Peace and the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles in Tbilisi in 2027, expressing hope that China would participate and support the initiative.

At the end of the meeting, Han Zheng signed the presidential palace’s distinguished guests’ book.

Both sides expressed expectations that continued high-level dialogue would help further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between Georgia and China, the press office added.